The mariachi is perhaps the best known Mexican folk music tradition, especially outside of Mexico. The term “Mariachi” refers to a traditional Mexican music ensemble, although it can also be used to describe the musicians themselves. Mariachi music originally comes from Jalisco, a state in southwestern Mexico. From there, the mariachi tradition spread to the surrounding areas of central and western Mexico.
Mariachi music is typically lively, bright, and vibrant folk music with a Western sound. Mariachi groups mainly play traditional Mexican arrangements, many of which include a romantic theme. In addition to instruments, mariach musicians (“Mariachis” or “Mariacheros”) often sing along with the music. Some of the most recognizable mariachi tunes include the “Mexican Hat Dance” and “La Cucaracha.” You may already be familiar with mariachi music, but are you familiar with the three types of guitars that make up a mariachi band?
The characteristic sound of the mariachi is a harmony of various musical instruments. Mariachi ensembles typically consist of three or more violins, one or two trumpets, and several guitars. Every mariachi band needs at least three guitars since each of the mariachi guitars has its own distinctive tone.
The guitars used in mariachi music are the vihuela, the guitarrón, and the acoustic guitar. IN vihuela It is a small high pitched Mexican guitar with five strings. This instrument can be identified by its ‘vaulted’ (curved) back. The vihuela produces the lively rhythmic vitality of the mariachi. A guitarron is a deep-voiced acoustic bass. The guitarrón serves as the group’s bass, as the mariachi ensemble has no drums or other percussion. Like a vihuela, the guitarrón has a curved, convex back, but this instrument is a lot bigger, almost the size of a cello! In addition to these two special Mexican guitars, each mariachi has a more typical acoustic guitar as well. However, the classical guitars used for mariachis are usually Mexican-made. shark guitars or the “golf guitar”.
When you see a mariachi band play, take a closer look at the guitars the mariacheros use. You’re sure to find some fine mariachi guitars like the vihuela, guitarrón, and acoustic guitar.